Sweet and Sour
The Word of God is both sweet and sour. It's a double edged sword. It comforts and consoles but also reproves and challenges us. As we like to hear only words of comfort  from friends even when we are walking on the right path, we treat God's Word in the same manner. We keep those scriptures that are comforting while avoiding those that reproves our actions. Life and death goes hand in hand. The Word is Life if takes root in our hearts to bring forth fruit, fruit that will last; but it brings death if we starve our souls by rejecting it. It's a choice we make: the same God who loves and gave Himself up for my sins... who is my shepherd thus I shall need nothing,,,,if He is for me then who can be against me.....etc. also calls me to repentance, to forgive as He has forgiven me, to believe in him,  to love Him as he has love me and to love my neighbour as myself..... to pray for my enemies....... Let us not pick and choose only the Words that comfort us. Next time you order a 'sweet and sour dish', try to remove the sour part from it, if you can. Taste therefore the Word, although it is sweet as honey in your mouth, it will be bitter to your stomach....